Rationalizing energy level alignment by characterizing Lewis acid/base and ionic interactions at printable semiconductor/ionic liquid interfaces

Charge transfer and energy conversion processes at semiconductor/electrolyte interfaces are controlled by local electric field distributions, which can be especially challenging to measure. Herein we leverage the low vapor pressure and vacuum compatibility of ionic liquid electrolytes to undertake a layer-by-layer, ultra-high vacuum deposition of a prototypical ionic liquid EMIM⁺ (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium) and TFSI^- (bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-imide) on the surfaces of different electronic materials. We consider a case-by-case study between a standard metal (Au) and four printed electronic materials, where interfaces are characterized by a combination of X-ray and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopies (XPS/UPS). For template-stripped gold surfaces, we observe through XPS a preferential orientation of the TFSI anion at the gold surface, enabling large electric fields (∼10⁸ eV m^-1) within the first two monolayers detected by a large surface vacuum level shift (0.7 eV) in UPS. Conversely, we observe a much more random orientation on four printable semiconductor surfaces: methyl ammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI₃), regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl (P3HT)), sol-gel nickel oxide (NiO_x), and PbI_x-capped PbS quantum dots. For the semiconductors considered, the ionization energy (IE) of the ionic liquid at 3 ML coverage is highly substrate dependent, indicating that underlying chemical reactions are dominating interface level alignment (electronic equilibration) prior to reaching bulk electronic structure. This indicates there is no universal rule for energy level alignment, but that relative strengths of Lewis acid/base sites and ion-molecular interactions should be considered. Specifically, for P3HT, interactions are found to be relatively weak and occurring through the π-bonding structure in the thiophene ring. Alternatively, for NiO_x, PbS/PbI_x quantum dots, and MAPbI₃, our XPS data suggest a combination of ionic bonding and Lewis acid/base reactions between the semiconductor and IL, with MAPbI₃ being the most reactive surface. Collectively, our results point towards new directions in interface engineering, where strategically chosen ionic liquid-based anions and cations can be used to preferentially passivate and/or titrate surface defects of heterogeneous surfaces while simultaneously providing highly localized electric fields. These opportunities are expected to be translatable to opto-electronic and electrochemical devices, including energy conversion and storage and biosensing applications.

Enhanced Infrared Photodiodes Based on PbS/PbClx Core/Shell Nanocrystals

Improved passivation strategies to address the more complex surface structure of large-diameter nanocrystals are critical to the advancement of infrared photodetectors based on colloidal PbS. In this contribution, the performance of short-wave infrared (SWIR) photodiodes fabricated with PbS/PbCl_x (core/shell) nanocrystals vs their PbS-only (core) counterparts are directly compared. Devices using PbS cores suffer from shunting and inefficient charge extraction, while core/shell-based devices exhibit greater external quantum efficiencies and lower dark current densities. To elucidate the implications of the shell chemistry on device performance, thickness-dependent energy level offsets and interfacial chemistry of nanocrystal films with the zinc oxide electron-transport layer are evaluated. The disparate device performance between the two synthetic methods is attributed to unfavorable interface dipole formation and surface defect states, associated with inadequate removal of native organic ligands in core-only films. The core/shell system offers a promising route to manage the additional nonpolar (100) surface facets of larger nanocrystals that conventional halide ligand treatments fail to sufficiently passivate.

Binary Superlattices of Infrared Plasmonic and Excitonic Nanocrystals

Self-assembled superlattices of nanocrystals offer exceptional control over the coupling between nanocrystals, similar to how solid-state crystals tailor the bonding between atoms. By assembling nanocrystals of different properties (e.g., plasmonic, excitonic, dielectric, or magnetic), we can form a wealth of binary superlattice metamaterials with new functionalities. Here, we introduce infrared plasmonic Cu_2-xS nanocrystals to the limited library of materials that have been successfully incorporated into binary superlattices. We are the first to create a variety of binary superlattices with large excitonic (PbS) nanocrystals and small plasmonic (Cu_2-xS) nanocrystals, both resonant in the infrared. Then, by controlling the surface chemistry of large Cu_2-xS nanocrystals, we produced structurally analogous superlattices of large Cu_2-xS and small PbS nanocrystals. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) were used to characterize both types of superlattices. Furthermore, our unique surface modification of the large Cu_2-xS nanocrystals also prevented them from chemically quenching the photoluminescence of the PbS nanocrystals, which occurred when the PbS nanocrystals were mixed with unmodified Cu_2-xS nanocrystals. These synthetic achievements create a set of binary superlattices that can be used to understand how infrared plasmonic and excitonic nanocrystals couple in a variety of symmetries and stoichiometries.

Controlling dissolution of PbTe nanoparticles in organic solvents during liquid cell transmission electron microscopy

We present direct visualization of the dynamics of oleic-acid-capped PbTe nanoparticles suspended in different organic solvents using liquid cell transmission electron microscopy. Liquid cell transmission electron microscopy is a powerful tool to directly observe the behavior of a variety of nanoparticles in liquids, but requires careful consideration and quantification of how the electron beam affects the systems being investigated. We find that etching and dissolution of PbTe nanoparticles occurs with a strong dependence on electron dose rate ranging from no perceivable effect on the nanoparticles with lower dose rates (50 e- Å-2 s-1) to complete dissolution within seconds or minutes at higher dose rates (100 and 200 e- Å-2 s-1). We propose that oxidative etching, resulting from the radiolysis of small amounts of water, causes the PbTe nanoparticles to dissolve after exposure to a threshold electron dose rate of 50 e- Å-2 s-1.

Effects of a Lead Chloride Shell on Lead Sulfide Quantum Dots

The size of a quantum-confined nanocrystal determines the energies of its excitonic transitions. Previous work has correlated the diameters of PbS nanocrystals to their excitonic absorption; however, we observe that PbS quantum dots synthesized in saturated dispersions of PbCl₂ can deviate from the previous 1S_h-1S_e energy vs diameter curve by 0.8 nm. In addition, their surface differs chemically from that of PbS quantum dots produced via other syntheses. We find that these nanocrystals are coated in a shell that is measurable in transmission electron micrographs and contains lead and chlorine, beyond the monatomic chlorine termination previously proposed. This finding has implications for understanding the growth mechanism of this reaction, the line width of these quantum dots' photoluminescence, and electronic transport within films of these nanocrystals. Such fundamental knowledge is critical to applications of PbS quantum dots such as single-photon sources, photodetectors, solar cells, light-emitting diodes, lasers, and biological labels.

Synthesis and Optical Properties of PbSe Nanorods with Controlled Diameter and Length

The synthesis of PbSe nanorods with low branching (<1%), high aspect ratios (up to ∼16), and controlled lengths and diameters was demonstrated via the removal of water and oleic acid from the synthesis precursors. It was determined that the proper combination of reaction time and temperature allows for the control of PbSe nanorod length and diameter and therefore control over their electronic states, as probed through absorbance and photoluminescence measurements. Similar to PbSe nanowires, nanorods display higher Stokes shifts than for spherical nanocrystals due to intrananorod diameter fluctuations.

Enhanced open-circuit voltage of PbS nanocrystal quantum dot solar cells

Nanocrystal quantum dots (QD) show great promise toward improving solar cell efficiencies through the use of quantum confinement to tune absorbance across the solar spectrum and enable multi-exciton generation. Despite this remarkable potential for high photocurrent generation, the achievable open-circuit voltage (Voc) is fundamentally limited due to non-radiative recombination processes in QD solar cells. Here we report the highest open-circuit voltages to date for colloidal QD based solar cells under one sun illumination. This Voc of 692 ± 7 mV for 1.4 eV PbS QDs is a result of improved passivation of the defective QD surface, demonstrating Voc(mV)=553Eg/q-59 as a function of the QD bandgap (Eg). Comparing experimental Voc variation with the theoretical upper-limit obtained from one diode modeling of the cells with different Eg, these results clearly demonstrate that there is a tremendous opportunity for improvement of Voc to values greater than 1 V by using smaller QDs in QD solar cells.

Anisotropic absorption in PbSe nanorods

We present absorption anisotropy measurements in PbSe nanostructures. This is accomplished via a new means of measuring absorption anisotropy in randomly oriented solution ensembles of nanostructures via pump-probe spectroscopy, which exploits the polarization memory effect. We observe isotropic absorption in nanocrystals and anisotropic absorption in nanorods, which increases upon elongation from aspect ratio 1 to 4 and is constant for longer nanorods. The measured volume-normalized absorption cross section is 1.8 ± 0.3 times larger for parallel pump and probe polarizations in randomly oriented nanorods as compared to nanocrystals. We show that this enhancement would be larger than an order of magnitude for aligned nanorods. Despite being in the strong quantum confinement regime, the aspect ratio dependence of the absorption anisotropy in PbSe nanorods is described classically by the effects of dielectric contrast on an anisotropic nanostructure. These results imply that the dielectric constant of the surrounding medium can be used to influence the optoelectronic properties of nanorods, including polarized absorption and emission, phonon modes, multiple exciton generation efficiency, and Auger recombination rate.

Enhanced multiple exciton generation in quasi-one-dimensional semiconductors

The creation of a single electron-hole pair (i.e., exciton) per incident photon is a fundamental limitation for current optoelectronic devices including photodetectors and photovoltaic cells. The prospect of multiple exciton generation per incident photon is of great interest to fundamental science and the improvement of solar cell technology. Multiple exciton generation is known to occur in semiconductor nanostructures with increased efficiency and reduced threshold energy compared to their bulk counterparts. Here we report a significant enhancement of multiple exciton generation in PbSe quasi-one-dimensional semiconductors (nanorods) over zero-dimensional nanostructures (nanocrystals), characterized by a 2-fold increase in efficiency and reduction of the threshold energy to (2.23 ± 0.03)E(g), which approaches the theoretical limit of 2E(g). Photovoltaic cells based on PbSe nanorods are capable of improved power conversion efficiencies, in particular when operated in conjunction with solar concentrators.

Oriented single crystalline titanium dioxide nanowires

We report the synthesis of oriented single crystalline titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) nanowire arrays on titanium foil. The synthesis method relies on the ability to grow single crystal sodium titanate (Na(2)Ti(2)O(5).H(2)O) nanowires on titanium foil through a novel alkali hydrothermal growth process. Following growth, the Na(2)Ti(2)O(5).H(2)O nanowires are converted to protonated bititanate (H(2)Ti(2)O(5).H(2)O) nanowires through an ion-exchange reaction without changing their morphology or crystal structure. Finally, the protonated bititanate nanowires are converted to single crystalline anatase TiO(2) nanowires through a topotactic transformation by calcination. These three sequential steps yield a carpet of 2-50 microm long single crystalline nanowires oriented in the [100] direction and primarily normal to the titanium foil. Even longer nanowires can be grown. The single crystal TiO(2) nanowire arrays on flexible titanium substrate may be used in photocatalytic and photovoltaic devices such as dye-sensitized solar cells and may enhance their performance by providing fast electron transport. The nanowires can also be used as templates for producing hierarchical nanostructures such as nanowires decorated with nanoparticles on their periphery or nanotubes with walls made of nanoparticles.

Growth mechanism of titanium dioxide nanowires for dye-sensitized solar cells

Mesoporous films made of titanium dioxide nanowires are desirable for dye-sensitized solar cells because nanowires provide direct conduction pathways for photogenerated electrons. Anatase titanium dioxide nanowires with polycrystalline microstructure were synthesized on titanium foil using a three-step process. First, the top surface of the titanium foil was transformed to Na(2)Ti(2)O(4)(OH)(2) nanotubes through hydrothermal oxidation in NaOH. Next, the Na(2)Ti(2)O(4)(OH)(2) nanotubes were converted to H(2)Ti(2)O(4)(OH)(2) nanotubes by ion exchange. Finally, the H(2)Ti(2)O(4)(OH)(2) nanotubes were converted to polycrystalline anatase nanowires through a topotactic transformation. The film morphology evolution, crystal structure transformations and growth mechanism are described in detail. Titanium foil reacts with NaOH to form Na(2)Ti(2)O(4)(OH)(2) sheets, which exfoliate and spiral into nanotubes. The Na(2)Ti(2)O(4)(OH)(2) nanotubes are immersed in HCl solution to replace the Na(+) ions with H(+) ions. During the topotactic transformation of H(2)Ti(2)O(4)(OH)(2) nanotubes to anatase TiO(2) nanowires, the sheets made of edge bonded TiO(6) octahedra in the H(2)Ti(2)O(4)(OH)(2) nanotubes dehydrate and move towards each other to form anatase crystals oriented along the nanotube axis which creates a polycrystalline nanowire. These mesoporous TiO(2) nanowire films were suitable for use as dye-sensitized solar cell photoanodes.

Photosensitization of ZnO nanowires with CdSe quantum dots for photovoltaic devices

We combine CdSe semiconductor nanocrystals (or quantum dots) and single-crystal ZnO nanowires to demonstrate a new type of quantum-dot-sensitized solar cell. An array of ZnO nanowires was grown vertically from a fluorine-doped tin oxide conducting substrate. CdSe quantum dots, capped with mercaptopropionic acid, were attached to the surface of the nanowires. When illuminated with visible light, the excited CdSe quantum dots injected electrons across the quantum dot-nanowire interface. The morphology of the nanowires then provided the photoinjected electrons with a direct electrical pathway to the photoanode. With a liquid electrolyte as the hole transport medium, quantum-dot-sensitized nanowire solar cells exhibited short-circuit currents ranging from 1 to 2 mA/cm2 and open-circuit voltages of 0.5-0.6 V when illuminated with 100 mW/cm2 simulated AM1.5 spectrum. Internal quantum efficiencies as high as 50-60% were also obtained.